Mr. Chair, I want to share my time with Ms. Sidhu. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister, for the broad and detailed testimony. In a short time, I think you really gave us the whole plan. Thanks for that.
Minister, my question is about first nations and Inuit health programming. Priority III of the 2017-18 departmental plan for Health Canada is to “strengthen First Nations and Inuit health programming.” One of the key initiatives to support that priority is to “[a]ddress the Truth and Reconciliation Commission health recommendations, including mental wellness programming.”
In its “Report and Recommendations on the Opioid Crisis in Canada”, this committee recommended:
That the Government of Canada commit to providing stable needs-based funding for First Nations in order for them to implement the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.
What consideration has Health Canada given to providing funding to first nations in order to implement the first nations mental wellness continuum framework? What mental wellness programming is being considered by Health Canada, and will this programming be available to all indigenous people or restricted to status Indians and Inuit? Thank you.